Durham Big Brothers Big Sisters compete for big cash

Durham residents can vote online to help groups score $50,000 grant

Big Brothers Big Sisters outside

Ryan Pfeiffer / Metroland

OSHAWA -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oshawa-Whitby and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ajax-Pickering are jointly in the running for one of four $50,000 grants from the MLSE Team UP Fund. The local groups are hoping to use the grant to start a new program called Power Play to address the lack of accessible sports and recreation activities for at-risk youth. Pictured, from left, are littles Marlowe Kemp, Alexis Cross, Hannah Cross, Sawyer Kemp, and Harrison Benns. March 11, 2014.

DURHAM -- Two local Big Brothers Big Sisters groups are in the running for some big cash.

The Oshawa-Whitby and the Ajax-Pickering chapters of the organization have been jointly chosen as one of the top 20 charities to compete for four $50,000 MLSE Team UP Fund grants.

They are the only Durham organizations in the finals.

The local groups hope to use the funds to create a new program called “Power Play - Mentoring through Sport” to address the lack of accessible sports and recreation activities for at-risk youth.

“Sport is truly one of those amazing things,” says Kelly Lloyd, executive director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oshawa-Whitby. “It instills a lot of different values and social skills like team play, self confidence and physical health.”

Power Play would see youth and volunteer mentors participate in four six-week sessions in different sports such as hockey, soccer, basketball and dance.

Each activity would involve skills development, training and play. Youth would also have the chance for behind-the-scenes tours, information sessions and planning for long-term involvement in sports.

“We hope that kids who take part will go on to lead an active life after being introduced to sports,” Ms. Lloyd says.

The MLSE Team UP Fund helps Ontario organizations that need funding for youth recreation programs and capital projects. Since 2012 the program has awarded 10 grants totalling $400,000.

Online voting is open until March 21 at 11:59 p.m. The 2014 Team Up Fund winners will be announced at the April 1 Toronto Maple Leafs game.